The Trincomalee was built in 1817

Hartlepool's Historic Quay features the UK's oldest warship still afloat, HMS Trincomalee, built in 1817.

Hartlepool Borough Council, which owns the historic quay site, wants to develop the area to better emphasise its nautical past.

The proposals are being discussed by the council's cabinet at a meeting on Monday.

Among the projects being considered is a plan to create a visitor centre around the moored tall ship.

The authority wants to work closer with the HMS Trincomalee Trust, which owns and maintains the vessel.

The ship has pride of place in the Historic Quay dock.

'Unique attractions'

Other proposals for the whole Historic Quay area include a radical relocation of the nearby paddle steamer Wingfield Castle.

Stuart Green, the council's head of planning and economic development, said: "The Trincomalee, the Historic Quay and its associated attractions are the jewels in Hartlepool's tourism crown.

The Wingfield Castle may be removed from the water

"These new ideas follow detailed discussions between ourselves and the Trincomalee Trust about how we can enhance our unique attractions and maximise their appeal to visitors from both home and abroad.

"The proposals would also complement the proposed multi-million pound redevelopment of the nearby Victoria Harbour and the ongoing development of the Hartlepool Marina area."

Bryn Hughes, general manager of the HMS Trincomalee Trust, added: "This is an exciting set of proposals that should reinforce Hartlepool's place firmly on the tourism map by combining the acknowledged strengths of both the Trincomalee and the Historic Quay as award-winning attractions."

It took more than a decade and �10m to restore the Nelson-era frigate to its 19th century splendour in Hartlepool.

When work was completed in 2001 the World Ship Trust gave the Hartlepool project its International Maritime Heritage Award in recognition of its efforts.